Portable putting range adaptable for break adjustment

ABSTRACT

A golf putting practice device having a synthetic playing surface is supported by a flexible elastic substrate to produce natural curves and playing surface angles. Markings sequentially placed on the playing surface provide the user with feedback as to the proper angle of club impact with the ball, and club force, to achieve sufficient ball speed and trajectory angle to sink a putt on an angled practice surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/956,554 filed Aug. 17, 2007, which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The disclosed device relates to the game of golf. More particularly thedisclosed device relates to a device employable for putting practice.The device is portable and easily deployed by the user. Additionally,the device features a simulated green that is adjustable by the user forthe green angle to the hole to which the ball is targeted or the “break”of the green.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a game enjoyed and played by millions of people throughout theworld. As with any sport, practice is one of the most important aspectsof the game. Further, the game of golf is divided into a number of areaswhere skill for a certain type of shot is required to hit the ballaccurately to place it in the hole. One of the key portions of anygolfer's game is putting the ball into the hole on the green.

During the game of golf, initially players drive the ball long distancesfrom the tee toward the eventual hole at the end of the fairway. Thehole is normally located on a generally planar surface of grass andunlike driving the ball long distances on a fairway, a much differentstroke is required to accurately deposit the ball into the hole across agreen.

Consequently, a golfer, to become competitive at the sport, mustcontinually strive to practice all aspects of the game. To that endgolfers spend many hours on driving ranges practicing the driving of theball long distances to accurate landings. Typically such driving rangesare outdoors due to the distances involved in a tee shot. Some puttinggreens do exist at driving ranges and practice ranges for practice ofthe soft touch required to accurately putt the ball across the grass ofa green and into a hole. But these are more of an afterthought sincedriving ranges generally focus on drive practice rather than the shortgame.

For putting however, in many cases, golfers practice indoors on acarpeted surface that is adapted to simulate the grass surface of thegreen surrounding a hole. Many such devices are commercially availablewith most providing some type of elongated carpet section which engagesa hole at one end which allow the golfer to practice at home. The golfertypically tries to putt the ball across the surface of the carpet andinto the hole. Many putting practice devices that aid in the practice ofputting have been created.

However, most such devices tend to be mechanically complicated,expensive to manufacture and therefor expensive. Further, most lack thenecessary components to vary the angles of the carpet to the hole whichwould provide practice on a non-level surface to the golfer. This isimportant because most greens are of course, not a flat surface sincegrass is grown on the ground and the ground tends to shift over time.Further, many greens are intentionally angled to create a break, away ortoward the hole. This makes the game more interesting since the golfermust properly anticipate the break with his stroke, to thereby properlyproject the ball into the hole. The stroke must be such that itovercomes the forces of gravity and the break of the slanted green onthe moving ball. This involves both ball speed, and the accuracy of theangle of the shot off the putter.

As such, putting practice greens and the like, should provide some meansto impart a break or slant to the carpet surface, to thereby allow thepracticing golfer to practice accommodating the break of a green intheir stroke. However, because commercially available practice greensare generally planar or rely on a carpet surface that is rolled onto aplanar floor, they cannot provide a break, nor any means to change oradjust that break for practice sessions.

As a consequence, golfers employing such devices, cannot adjust thecarpet or other green-simulating surface to allow them to practice speedand accuracy of ball angle to accommodate shots at different breakangles. This is unfortunate since many practice strokes are required toallow the golfer to view and calculate the angle of the green to thehole, to putt the ball at an angle, and at a force designed to overcomethe force of gravity a slanted green will impart to the rolling ball.The putting range practice device herein described and disclosed, solvesthis dilemma through the provision of means to alter the break of thepractice green, and to allow the golfer to visually identify defects inboth their accuracy and force to overcome the forces of a slanted green.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily beutilized as a basis for designing other methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstruction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

An object of this invention is the provision of a putting practicedevice that is easily set up and employed for practice and provides arealistic recreation of a green on a golf course with a break toward oraway from the hole.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of such a golfputting practice device which allows the user to change the break of theputting surface to different angles, to thereby allow practiceaccommodating these different break angles.

Yet a further object of this invention is the provision of such aputting practice device, which will provide the user with concurrentvisual feedback as to both the force of their shot and the accuracy oftheir stroke at an angle to overcome the green break angle.

These objects, together with other objects and advantages which willbecome subsequently apparent to those skilled in the art, reside in thedetails of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafterdescribed and claimed, reference being made to the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The putting practice device herein described and disclosed, allows theuser to set up a putting green which simulates the green of a golfcourse. The device additionally provides a means to position the surfacein a manner which simulates many different break angles of the green andthe putting situations (break left, break right, s break, up-down, etc.)a user is likely to encounter on the course. The break angle to providepractices for different green situations are easily determined by theuser through placement of one or a plurality of break accessories whichare user-positionable under the matt simulating the green.

In order to provide numerous different break angle possibilities for theuser, the break accessories consist of a lightweight materialdimensioned in geometrical shapes like triangles, rectangles, etc. whichwhen positioned under the green-simulating matt, in different locations,will result in different putting lines for the user to practice. Aninfinite number of break angles and putting situations can be formed bythe kit employed by the user by simply moving the break accessoriesaround in their positions underneath the suspended mat which simulatesthe green. In fact, the user can actually construct a replica of a localcourse green using the different break accessory components.

However, rather than simply forming bumps in the mat placed over thebreak-determining components, simulating those which would occur on thecourse, the mat of the enclosed device also has a support layer engagedunderneath the playing surface. This support layer is engaged bylaminating or gluing a plastic substrate to the putting surface tothereby uniquely support it when engaged over the underlyingbreak-forming components and any support structure. The flexible plasticsubstrate stretches and holds the upper surface to more realisticallyform curves and detents and rises of the overhead simulated playingsurface. This formation of curves and break-angles is accomplished byinsertion of one or a plurality of different types of break formingcomponents which bias the plastic substrate elastically supporting theoverlying carpet or other green-simulating material. This unique elasticflexible substrate, allows for the formation of realistic bumps anddepressions and break angels in the overhead playing surface along withgentle curves and depressions.

Additionally provided to the user is a means for real-time visualfeedback as to the accuracy of both their stroke toward the hole, andthe force of that stroke, in their efforts to overcome the effects ofgreen break or angle, upon the roll of the ball. Using a plurality ofpositioned markers on the playing surface, the user is afforded a meansto ascertain both the accuracy of the angle of their shot, along withthe requested force needed to place the ball in the hole at differentbreak angles. Further provided is a means to mark a determined accurateshot for both ball angle and force of the club on the ball to allow theuser to try to repeat the shot for practice.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, which are deemed readily apparent andobvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships tothose illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, theforegoing description and following detailed description are consideredas illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, upon reading this disclosure, it is not desired to limit theinvention to the exact construction and operation shown and described.Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents which may beresorted to by those skilled in the art considered to fall within thescope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of the putting green device withbreak adjustment component positioned under the synthetic surface whichimparts a right-hand break to the playing surface and the markerspositioned on the surface to provide feedback to the user as to forceand trajectory of the shot.

FIG. 1 a depicts a top view of the device wherein a break adjustmentcomponent has been inserted under the suspended playing surface tocreate a right-break angle and showing the plurality of markerspositioned on the surface to provide the user real-time feedback as tothe accuracy of their trajectory of the ball, and amount of forceimparted by their stroke to overcome the force of the break angle.

FIG. 2 is a slice through the device of FIG. 1 showing the layer ofsynthetic playing surface, a plastic substrate supporting the playingsurface, and a break adjustment component supporting the substrate beingemployed to change the break.

FIG. 3 shows just a few of the different shapes and dimensions of thebreak adjustment components which are employed with the device.Virtually any shape and size may be employed to achieve a desired breakin the surface

FIG. 4 depicts another top view where the break angle of the playingsurface has been changed to another configuration by movement of orchanging the dimension of the break adjustment components supporting theplaying surface.

FIG. 5 depicts the additional feedback capability of the device whereinmarkers may be placed, or designated from the markers of FIG. 1, to showtrajectory accuracy and speed from force on the struck ball, forrepetitive practice of the proper stroke.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in FIGS. 1-5, wherein similar parts areidentified by like referenced numerals, as noted in FIG. 1 there isdepicted a top perspective view of the putting green device 10 withbreak adjustment component 12 (FIG. 1 a) positioned under the syntheticsurface 14 which imparts a right-hand break to the playing surface 14.

Particularly preferred in all modes of the device 10 are a plurality ofmarkers 16 positioned on the playing surface 14 which impart a means toprovide feedback to the user on each shot. The markers 16 can be printedor appliqued indicia such as the depicted dots which are arranged inspaced adjacent rows as depicted in FIG. 1 a. Viewing the balltrajectory 23 after each putt, the user can watch and see the ballcrossing individual markers 16 in each row of adjacent markers 16.

As shown in FIG. 1 a and more particularly FIG. 5, the crossing of therolling ball 18 over a respective marker 16 in each adjacent row 20 ofmarkers 16, along the trajectory 23 of the putt, provides feedback as toball speed imparted by the force of the club on the ball 18, and, thetrajectory 23 of the putt as imparted by the angle at which the userhits the ball 18 with the putter.

In use, by watching the trajectory 23 of the ball 18 after it is struckas it crosses markers 16 in each row 20, the user can ascertain thecorrect trajectory 23 and force to use to overcome the break angle ofthe surface 14. Using one 17 or two 19 of the markers 16, from any twoof the adjacent rows 20, the user can ascertain if the ball has been hitat the proper angle to achieve the proper trajectory 23 to sink the ball18 into the hole 22. Employing the second 19 of the two markers 16 theuser can ascertain if the ball has been hit with sufficient force toobtain a ball speed when combined with trajectory 23, that will overcomethe bias from the angle of the playing surface to sink the ball 18 intothe hole 22.

It takes this combination of proper trajectory 23, and ball speed, toprovide the force and direction to the ball 18 to overcome the forcefrom the break angle of the angled playing surface 14. Once the userobserves the ball crossing the chosen consecutive markers 16 in thechosen rows 20, on one accurate putt trajectory, they may decide todesignate the proper markers 16 with a color or other means to visuallyidentify the proper marker for trajectory and speed. Thus the firstmarker 17 for shot angle and the second marker 19 for ball speed can beidentified for the user to continuously view to practice the shot.

This marker identification can be done by using stick-on colored dots orother means to mark the two markers 16 from the plurality of rows 20 ofmarkers 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 1 a. Or the markers 16 themselves may becolorized when applied to the playing surface where each marker 16 ineach row 20 is a different color than the adjacent markers 16 in thatrow 20. In this fashion the user would just remember which of themarkers 16 is the first marker 17 for angle and the second marker 19 forball speed.

Those skilled in the art will realize numerous ways to individuallyidentify each marker 16 in each row 20 such that the user may pick thetwo respective markers 16 to provide feedback on the proper putt withthe proper trajectory and ball speed to sink the putt at the angle ofthe playing surface 14 imparted by the chosen adjustment component 12 inthe chosen position under the playing surface 14. This provides a meansto practice the putt continuously once the markers 16 for proper speedand trajectory (FIG. 5) have been designated by the user. For subsequentfeedback and review, the putting session may be recorded on video fromabove so the user may review the ball trajectories which worked best atthe different chosen playing field angles.

Also, the user may alter the practice session at the chosen playingsurface 14 angle they have determined using the adjustment components 12by using a different hole 22 of the device 10. As depicted in FIGS. 1 aand 4, a plurality of holes 22 may be employed in a row so that the usermay use a different hole 22 from the plurality to change the requiredtrajectory and ball force required during practice. The holes may beleft open, or closed by inserting a piece of playing surface 14 into aremovable engagement with the hole 22 apertures not being used.

An additional preferred mode of the device 10 is the employment of anelastic substrate 24 to support the overhead playing surface 14 on topof the chosen adjustment components 12 from FIG. 4. This support isshown in FIG. 2 along with the layering of substrate 24 to playingsurface 14.

Playing surfaces such as carpet or synthetic turf material are wellknown in the art and employed widely for practice devices. However, whensupported atop the adjustment components 12 between guides 26 and thecurved backboard 28, conventional carpet and synthetic turf tend tobuckle and wrinkle in fashions which do not mimic the surface of a golfgreen which has generally smooth transitions along the break angle.

The depicted guides 26 serve to corral the ball 18 should the trajectory23 be off to keep it on the playing surface 14. Also provided is thebackboard 28 which is curved which will cause the ball 18 to return tothe user's direction if the trajectory 23 is errant and the ball 18misses the hole 22. Additionally, a portion of the playing surface 14 isengaged to the guides 26 and endwall 28 to form a gap between theplaying surface and underlying support surface.

Experimentation has found that laminating or otherwise adhering anelastic plastic substrate 24 to the playing surface formed of carpet orsynthetic turf provides smooth and very realistic curves and transitionsto the supported playing surface 14.

Such elastic substrate materials 24 are available in different flexuralstrengths (stiffness) and can be acquired in different thicknesses to beadhered to the playing surface 14 to produce the smooth playing surface14 breaking characteristics described above. Because of the variance inelasticity of materials from different manufacturers it can be difficultto specify the desired material for the substrate 24.

The flexural strength of a material is conventionally defined as itsability to resist deformation under load. For materials that deformsignificantly but do not break, the load at yield, typically measured at5% deformation/strain of the outer surface, is reported as the flexuralstrength or flexural yield strength. The test beam is under compressivestress at the concave surface and tensile stress at the convex surfaceunder testing conditions such as ASTM D790.

Applicant has thus defined a current preferred manner to specify thedesirable substrate 24 material as a function of the radius and gradingwhich the material produces when a one inch in height adjustmentcomponent 12 is placed under the substrate supporting the playingsurface 14.

This of course is related to the variables previously defined (flexuralstrength and thickness) of the elastic substrate 24 material. It hasbeen found that such materials will work well are those having flexuralstrengths between 60 to 90 (Mpa) such as polyethylene or polystyrene.

Using material formed of this flexural strength, in order to have thedesired break of the playing surface 14, the grading should be between7% to 9% from the top of the one inch adjustment component 12, to thepoint the substrate/putting surface material touches the floor. With theproper substrate material the grading will not be planar but will becurved and will have a sin typical curve shape with a radius in thecrown from r=40 inch to r=75 inch when measuring the curve produced froma virtual circle above it or below it depending on the shape of theproduced curve.

While the device 10, employing the markers 16 in rows 20 to allow theuser to ascertain correct trajectories 23 will work better thanconventional putting practice devices, the employment of the flexibleelastic substrate 24 further enhances the performance of the device 10and is preferred. The employment of the substrate 24 in combination withthe markers 16 provides a smooth, natural, curved playing surface 14with the elastic substrate 24 atop the adjustment components 12 andprovides a more natural break to the playing surface 14 along with meansto ascertain proper speed and trajectory 23 of the ball 18 on eachstroke.

Using the flexible elastic substrate 24 allows for the employment ofadjustment components 12 of virtually any shape as shown in FIG. 3 whichdepicts just a few shapes that might be employed. The user can thus makethe break angle of the playing surface 14 ever more difficult byemploying differently shaped adjustment components to impart one or aplurality of break angles to the playing surface 14 supported by theelastic substrate 24 in a natural manner.

The method and components shown in the drawings and described in detailherein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction, andconfiguration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure of thepresent golf putting device with user variable break angle in theplaying surface. It is to be understood, however, that elements ofdifferent construction and configuration, and using different steps andprocess procedures, and other arrangements thereof, other than thoseillustrated and described, may be employed for providing a portableputting range adapted for break adjustment device and method inaccordance with the spirit of this invention.

As such, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude ofmodifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in theforegoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated that in some instancessome features of the invention could be employed without a correspondinguse of other features, without departing from the scope of the inventionas set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations andmodifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are consideredto be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in theappended claims.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract of the invention, is toenable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally,and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the artwho are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, todetermine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence ofthe technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredby the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of theinvention in any way.

1. A golf putting training device for improving the putting of a golfer,the golf putting training device comprising: a playing surface having anupper surface adapted for putting and a lower surface opposite saidupper surface; means to suspend a portion of said playing surface abovea support surface thereby forming a gap between said lower surface andsaid support surface; at least one component member, said componentmember positionable in said gap to a plurality of engaged positionswithin said gap, said component member dimensioned to contact both saidlower surface and said support surface when positioned in any of saidengaged positions; said component member in any said engaged positiondefining the slant upon said upper surface, said slant being generallydownward from said engaged position and toward said support surface; andsaid slant imparting a break in the trajectory of a golf ball puttedacross said upper surface from a starting position toward past saidengaged position toward a distal end of said upper surface, whereby auser of said training device can practice putting said golf ball along acurved said trajectory toward a target hole for said golf ballpositioned adjacent to said distal end of said upper surface.
 2. Thegolf putting training device of claim 1 additionally comprising: saidcomponent member being one of a kit of said component members beingdimensioned to create a different said slant to said upper surfacewhereby said slant may be varied by said user to practice different saidtrajectories for said ball to said target hole.
 3. The golf puttingtraining device of claim 2 additionally comprising: a plurality of saidslants being formed in said upper surface by a plurality of saidcomponent members from said kit being inserted to respective saidengaged positions; and a plurality of slants being formed on said uppersurface providing said user a said upper surface adapted to practiceputting said ball along a said trajectory to said target hole whichincludes multiple said slants to be accommodated by said trajectoryimparted to said ball by said user with a golf club.
 4. The golf puttingtraining device of claim 1 additionally comprising: said lower surfaceprovided by the underside of a substantially planar elastic substrateengaged to said lower surface of said playing surface; and said elasticsubstrate providing means to prevent intersecting planar surfaces alongsaid upper surface along portions having said slant and thereby formcurves along said slant of said upper surface in a manner mimickingnatural turf.
 5. The golf putting training device of claim 2additionally comprising: said lower surface provided by the underside ofa substantially planar elastic substrate engaged to said lower surfaceof said playing surface; and said elastic substrate providing means toprevent intersecting planar surfaces along said upper surface alongportions having said slant and thereby form curves along said slant ofsaid upper surface in a manner mimicking natural turf.
 6. The golfputting training device of claim 3 additionally comprising: said lowersurface provided by the underside of a substantially planar elasticsubstrate engaged to said lower surface of said playing surface; andsaid elastic substrate providing means to prevent intersecting planarsurfaces along said upper surface along portions having said slant andthereby form curves along said slant of said upper surface in a mannermimicking natural turf.
 7. The golf putting training device of claim 1additionally comprising: visible means to ascertain a correct ball speedand initial direction of said ball along a said trajectory located uponsaid upper surface, wherein said user may ascertain a force and angle ofimpact to impart to said ball to move it along a said trajectoryproperly traversing said slant to reach said hole; and whereby said useris provided a visible reference as to a said force and a said angle ofimpact to impart to said ball with a club for a repeatable correcttrajectory depositing said ball in said hole.
 8. The golf puttingtraining device of claim 2 additionally comprising: visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction of said ball alonga said trajectory located upon said upper surface, wherein said user mayascertain a force and angle of impact to impart to said ball to move italong a said trajectory properly traversing said slant to reach saidhole; and whereby said user is provided a visible reference as to a saidforce and a said angle of impact to impart to said ball with a club fora repeatable correct trajectory depositing said ball in said hole. 9.The golf putting training device of claim 3 additionally comprising:visible means to ascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction ofsaid ball along a said trajectory located upon said upper surface,wherein said user may ascertain a force and angle of impact to impart tosaid ball to move it along a said trajectory properly traversing saidslant to reach said hole; and whereby said user is provided a visiblereference as to a said force and a said angle of impact to impart tosaid ball with a club for a repeatable correct trajectory depositingsaid ball in said hole.
 10. The golf putting training device of claim 4additionally comprising: visible means to ascertain a correct ball speedand initial direction of said ball along a said trajectory located uponsaid upper surface, wherein said user may ascertain a force and angle ofimpact to impart to said ball to move it along a said trajectoryproperly traversing said slant to reach said hole; and whereby said useris provided a visible reference as to a said force and a said angle ofimpact to impart to said ball with a club for a repeatable correcttrajectory depositing said ball in said hole.
 11. The golf puttingtraining device of claim 5 additionally comprising: visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction of said ball alonga said trajectory located upon said upper surface, wherein said user mayascertain a force and angle of impact to impart to said ball to move italong a said trajectory properly traversing said slant to reach saidhole; and whereby said user is provided a visible reference as to a saidforce and a said angle of impact to impart to said ball with a club fora repeatable correct trajectory depositing said ball in said hole. 12.The golf putting training device of claim 6 additionally comprising:visible means to ascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction ofsaid ball along a said trajectory located upon said upper surface,wherein said user may ascertain a force and angle of impact to impart tosaid ball to move it along a said trajectory properly traversing saidslant to reach said hole; and whereby said user is provided a visiblereference as to a said force and a said angle of impact to impart tosaid ball with a club for a repeatable correct trajectory depositingsaid ball in said hole.
 13. The golf putting training device of claim 7wherein said visible means to ascertain a correct ball speed and initialdirection comprises: a plurality of rows of markers positioned on saidupper surface; said rows positioned to be substantially traverse to anysaid trajectory of a said ball; each of said rows having a plurality ofsaid markers spaced from adjacent said markers; a first of said rowscrossed by said ball along a said trajectory providing a visible meansto ascertain the path of said trajectory imparted to said ball by saidangle of impact with said club depending on where in said row said balltraverses along a said trajectory; a second of said rows crossed by saidball along a said trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain thepath of said trajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impactwith said club, depending on where in said second row said balltraverses along a said trajectory; and whereby a user observing saidball crossing said first row and said second row may ascertain a propersaid angle of impact a said force to propel said ball along a saidtrajectory which traverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.14. The golf putting training device of claim 8 wherein said visiblemeans to ascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction comprises:a plurality of rows of markers positioned on said upper surface; saidrows positioned to be substantially traverse to any said trajectory of asaid ball; each of said rows having a plurality of said markers spacedfrom adjacent said markers; a first of said rows crossed by said ballalong a said trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the pathof said trajectory imparted to said ball by said angle of impact withsaid club depending on where in said row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; a second of said rows crossed by said ball along a saidtrajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impact with saidclub, depending on where in said second row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; and whereby a user observing said ball crossing saidfirst row and said second row may ascertain a proper said angle ofimpact a said force to propel said ball along a said trajectory whichtraverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.
 15. The golfputting training device of claim 9 wherein said visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction comprises: aplurality of rows of markers positioned on said upper surface; said rowspositioned to be substantially traverse to any said trajectory of a saidball; each of said rows having a plurality of said markers spaced fromadjacent said markers; a first of said rows crossed by said ball along asaid trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by said angle of impact with said clubdepending on where in said row said ball traverses along a saidtrajectory; a second of said rows crossed by said ball along a saidtrajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impact with saidclub, depending on where in said second row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; and whereby a user observing said ball crossing saidfirst row and said second row may ascertain a proper said angle ofimpact a said force to propel said ball along a said trajectory whichtraverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.
 16. The golfputting training device of claim 10 wherein said visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction comprises: aplurality of rows of markers positioned on said upper surface; said rowspositioned to be substantially traverse to any said trajectory of a saidball; each of said rows having a plurality of said markers spaced fromadjacent said markers; a first of said rows crossed by said ball along asaid trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by said angle of impact with said clubdepending on where in said row said ball traverses along a saidtrajectory; a second of said rows crossed by said ball along a saidtrajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impact with saidclub, depending on where in said second row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; and whereby a user observing said ball crossing saidfirst row and said second row may ascertain a proper said angle ofimpact a said force to propel said ball along a said trajectory whichtraverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.
 17. The golfputting training device of claim 11 wherein said visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction comprises: aplurality of rows of markers positioned on said upper surface; said rowspositioned to be substantially traverse to any said trajectory of a saidball; each of said rows having a plurality of said markers spaced fromadjacent said markers; a first of said rows crossed by said ball along asaid trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by said angle of impact with said clubdepending on where in said row said ball traverses along a saidtrajectory; a second of said rows crossed by said ball along a saidtrajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impact with saidclub, depending on where in said second row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; and whereby a user observing said ball crossing saidfirst row and said second row may ascertain a proper said angle ofimpact a said force to propel said ball along a said trajectory whichtraverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.
 18. The golfputting training device of claim 12 wherein said visible means toascertain a correct ball speed and initial direction comprises: aplurality of rows of markers positioned on said upper surface; said rowspositioned to be substantially traverse to any said trajectory of a saidball; each of said rows having a plurality of said markers spaced fromadjacent said markers; a first of said rows crossed by said ball along asaid trajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by said angle of impact with said clubdepending on where in said row said ball traverses along a saidtrajectory; a second of said rows crossed by said ball along a saidtrajectory providing a visible means to ascertain the path of saidtrajectory imparted to said ball by a force of said impact with saidclub, depending on where in said second row said ball traverses along asaid trajectory; and whereby a user observing said ball crossing saidfirst row and said second row may ascertain a proper said angle ofimpact a said force to propel said ball along a said trajectory whichtraverses said slant to deposit said ball in said hole.
 19. The golfputting training device of claim 1 wherein said means to suspend aportion of said playing surface above a support surface thereby forminga gap between said lower surface and said support surface comprises:said distal end of said playing surface engaged to and endwall at aposition above said support surface; and opposing side edges along saidportion being engaged to guide members at a position above said supportsurface.
 20. The golf putting training device of claim 13 wherein saidmeans to suspend a portion of said playing surface above a supportsurface thereby forming a gap between said lower surface and saidsupport surface comprises: said distal end of said playing surfaceengaged to and endwall at a position above said support surface; andopposing side edges along said portion being engaged to guide members ata position above said support surface.